Declarationofheart (Declaration of War), who was a $135,000 purchase at the 2017 Premier Sale at Karaka, showed class and courage to win Saturday's A$120,000 Group 3 Heineken Chairman's Stakes (2032m) at Morphettville.

The three-year-old went into the race with strong credentials, having won two races as well as placing in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) and finishing midfield in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) in his most recent appearance.

But at the top of the Morphettville straight, his Chairman's Stakes prospects looked bleak. Having skimmed the running rail throughout the race, he was shuffled back into the second half of the field and became trapped behind a wall of horses.

Even when jockey Clayton Douglas found a way through, Declarationofheart was only starting to gather his momentum while others were in full flight.

But Declarationofheart really lifted in the last 200 metres, clawing his way into contention and asserting his superiority late in the race to win by just over a length.

Declarationofheart has now had 10 starts for three wins, three placings and A$212,355 – more than one and a half times his purchase price.

Declarationofheart is now likely to be set for next month's A$600,000 Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m). He has pedigree on his side, being out of a half-sister to the Group 1 VRC Oaks winner Arapaho Miss (Danehill Dancer).